McDonald's today announced the renewal of its worldwide Olympic Partnership through the 2012 Games, continuing the company's "commitment to the Olympic Movement and the athletes who compete in the world's premiere sporting event," according to a statement. This marks the first time McDonald's has renewed its sponsorship for four consecutive Olympic Games.

As a TOP (The Olympic Partners Program) sponsor and Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games, McDonald's serves food to the thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators in attendance. This eight-year renewal continues McDonald's exclusive marketing rights in the restaurant and food service category for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy; the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China; the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada; and the 2012 Olympic Games, which will be awarded to a host city in July 2005.

"McDonald's has been a proud Olympic partner for nearly three decades because we believe in the spirit and ideals of the Games," said Jim Cantalupo, McDonald's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in the statement. "As a global brand serving 47 million customers every day, we share the same core principles of teamwork, excellence and being the best that make the Olympic Games a model of excellence for the world."

"McDonald's continued commitment to the Olympic Movement plays a vital role in the successful staging of the Olympic Games and in the support of young people's ability to achieve their Olympic dreams," said Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee.

As a TOP sponsor, McDonald's rights include: use of the Olympic rings in global marketing efforts; exclusive sponsorship opportunities with the 201 national Olympic teams around the world; and status as the Official Restaurant Partner of the Olympic Games through 2012. In addition to providing food service at the Olympic Games, McDonald's will conduct Olympic-themed promotions and activities to support the Olympic Games in its markets and countries worldwide.

"Our renewal for the next four Olympic Games is a statement of support for the importance of the Olympics from a global leadership perspective and the benefit of physical activity and sports to a balanced, active lifestyle," said Cantalupo.